Powder River Examiner -

Ellen Marie (Anderson) Terrett, at the age of 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2022 at Holy Rosary Residential Living in Miles City, MT, where she had lived since May of 2017.

Ellen was born on April 19, 1930, in Miles City, MT, the only daughter of Alfred and Annie B. (Johannsen) Anderson. She had three older brothers; Clarence, Raymond and L.P. and a younger brother John. Ellen lived her childhood years at Sheffield, MT, where she started elementary school. Times were hard for her family in the early years, moving twice and finally settling on an irrigated farm/ranch on Tongue River, nine miles north of Ashland, MT. Ellen finished grade school in Ashland. It was told by neighbors that when they saw a car go by without a driver, they knew it was Ellen and John headed to school! Ellen attended high school in Forsyth, MT, graduating in 1948.

After graduation, Ellen returned to the family home, caring for her mother, who was in poor health at the time. While at home, she met Julian Terrett, Jr. at a dance in Ashland, MT. Julian had just returned home from the army. They were married on March 30, 1951 in Miles City, MT.

Julian and Ellen made their home at the ranch on Beaver Creek. She was truly a first-rate ranch wife! Jay was born on December 29. 1951, and nine years later Curtis arrived on August 18, 1960. Nancy followed quickly behind, blessing the family on November 20, 1961. Ellen was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and caregiver to family members, faithfully carrying out her duties in those roles.

Jay was enrolled at Custer County District High School in 1966, which began a period of fourteen years which divided Ellen's time between Miles City and the ranch, allowing their children to attend school. During those years, Ellen was active in the local and state Cowbelle organizations serving as state president for two years. Ellen and Julian enjoyed many wonderful trips and cruises together during these years. They especially loved the two times they traveled to Hawaii.

After Nancy's graduation in 1980, Ellen was able to return to her ranch home where she seemed the most content. She loved the smell of spring, the song of the meadowlark, baby calves and the planting of her flowers and garden. Dragging hoses and making every blade of lawn grass green brought her great delight! It was also a time to rekindle her talent for crocheting and needlepoint work.

Ellen was blessed to live close to her grandchildren, as they were blessed to live close to her. She loved them dearly and was careful to spoil them JUST RIGHT!

In 1995, Julian and Ellen left the ranch and moved to their home in Miles City MT. They were enthusiastic supporters of the construction of Holy Rosary Healthcare's new facility. Together, with great pride, they volunteered for ten years at the new hospital. This was the highlight of their retirement.

Julian passed away in 2007. Ellen continued to live in their home until 2017. She enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new friends. Ellen became active in the First Presbyterian Church, regularly attending Sunday services as well as serving on the Church Council. As her mobility declined, Ellen became an avid reader. She especially enjoyed biographies of conservative Republicans!

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Julian, her husband of fifty-six years, four brothers and their wives, sister in-law, Louise Terrett, daughter in-law, Gayle Terrett and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ellen is survived by her children, Jay and his wife Deb, Curtis and wife Kate, Nancy and husband Stan Markuson. Grandchildren: Jaylene (Dade) Allison, Jody (Tony) Reda, Johnna (Jim) Goodwin, Will Terrett (Katie Copps), Cody (Heidi) Terrett, Pete Markuson (Eileen Moran) and Megan Markuson (Colton Bidegaray). Ellen is also survived by ten great grandchildren.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Range Riders Museum.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Holy Rosary Healthcare Residential Living for the loving care provided during Mom's stay.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. They will also have a Service of Remembrance Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Graveside services will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Reception at The Parlor following the Graveside services. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.stevensonandsons. com.